CLEARFIELD – Time is of the essence at the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre Inc. Clearfield’s downtown arts center is on the edge of a new era filled with opportunities to expand the offerings provided to the community.
Like any good plot, that of the CAST Inc. currently has a challenge to overcome. CAST Inc. needs to pay past due bills, totaling $3,362 by Sept. 15.
CAST Inc.’s first of four tax payments in the amount of $2,200 is due by Sept. 30. Further, $5,362 needs to be raised before CAST Inc. can re-open its doors for October’s events like “The Comedy of Errors” and Friday Night Live.
But that’s not the whole story. The total past due debt for CAST Inc. is upwards of $18,000, including past-due taxes, bills, emergency repairs and utilities.
“The total is quite large,” said Dr. Bill Grigsby, interim CAST Inc. board president.
With the rejuvenation of CAST Inc., the Clearfield area community will ensure the future of a local fixture that dates back decades. CAST Inc.’s roots stretch to the early 1940’s with the Clearfield Old Town Players.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s, the St. John Studio Theatre entertained with plays and musicals until the founding of CAST Inc. in 1983.
Three founding members of CAST Inc. are leading the charge to invigorate the 32-year-old corporation. With a 21st century mindset, Gayle Gearhart, Shawn Inlow and Mary Beth Geppert are looking to create a new tomorrow for the organization.
A membership drive is well under way. People can join CAST Inc. membership Tuesday at 7 p.m. during the annual meeting at the CAST Building, 112 E. Locust St., Clearfield.
Becoming a CAST member will include voting rights for new board members, supporting regular programs, helping develop other opportunities throughout the year, offering eligibility to participation in productions on-or-off stage and granting access to all communications.
Membership dues are $15 (Student), $25 (Individual), $35 (Patron/Organizational), and $50 (Business/Family). Membership year runs July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 (renewed annually).
Future plans call for an arts center offering activities every day. Community members from youth through those with a bit more “experience” will find arts-related events that will develop skills and experiences.
CAST Inc. is seeking to find those who love the arts to take part in this effort. Of course, monetary donations can be accepted by at CAST Inc., 112 E. Locust St., Clearfield, but as the volunteer ethos is part of CAST Inc.’s culture, the assistance of those who give of themselves is also needed.
Volunteers can assist in this project through maintenance of the building, displaying posters, office work and even on-stage.
The work weekend is scheduled to be Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m., Sept. 19, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.
The business plan for the future of CAST Inc. involves four key areas. They are: effective negotiation and financial control, increasing the number of presentations, increasing audience and maintaining and in some cases lowering prices.
“The challenges in this plan are huge. The recovery will take place in some of the worst economic conditions in living memory. Evidence is available that the entertainment industry can survive in difficult times, as it is a means of escape,” stated a press release from the CAST Inc.
“With the help of the community, the plot to this story will have a happy ending. Whether through your time or financial contributions, everyone can support the CAST Inc. Rejuvenation Campaign.”
For information on how to volunteer, contact CAST Inc. at 814-765-4474 or ClearfieldArts@gmail.com. Visit the CAST Inc. web site at clearfielarts.org.
Tax-deductible financial contributions accepted at CAST Inc. 112 E. Locust St., Clearfield, PA.
Please click to download the CAST membership letter and form.